The Leinster team to face the Ospreys in Friday night's RaboDirect PRO12 encounter at the RDS (kick-off 7.45pm) has been named.

Isaac Boss will form the half-back partnership with Jonathan Sexton - now just 28 points shy of the 1,000 point career mark for the province - in a side which sees several changes to the one which started last weekend's Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final win.

Andrew Conway comes into the backs division, meaning that Fergus McFadden will partner Ian Madigan in the centre. Brian O'Driscoll is given a 'breather' being named on the bench after his exertions in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Jamie Heaslip, Kevin McLaughlin and Mike Ross are rested after picking up knocks last weekend.

Gordon D'Arcy has made good progress after his calf strain and should come back into the reckoning for next weekend's league semi-final.

In all there are 13 home-grown players in the starting side which will be led once more by second row Leo Cullen.

Fresh from his British & Irish Lions selection, Sean O'Brien has recovered from injury. The Tullow man starts at number 8 in a back row which also includes Shane Jennings and Rhys Ruddock.

Jack McGrath will make his 35th senior appearance, linking up with Ireland hooker Sean Cronin and Jamie Hagan in the front row.

Ticket sales for Friday's game have passed the 17,500 mark. Tickets are still on sale online here, and are also available from Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) as well as Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.